Welcome to my musings about my life, travels, crafts and friendships. I have a passion for everything that I become involved in and want to learn more about it. Turn your speakers up to hear some of my favorite relaxing music. Please feel free to leave comments as I would love to know about you too!
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Saturday, October 18, 2008

Barbara Carroll Class

I recently headed up to Searsport Maine for a one day class with Barbara Carroll. Since I haven't made many hooked rugs and mats, I need both practice and someone to teach me what I haven't learned in books. Upon entering the class I recognized many familiar faces from the rug hooking cruise last year, so I felt as though I had joined my friends for the day.

I really admire the antique look of Barbara's rugs. She tends to use a lot of "as is" wools. The pattern for the class was the Rainbow Log Cabin mat. It is a sweet mat, but not one I would have chosen. Our challenge was to use "as is" wools that Barb had brought. She brought groups of students to the table and instructed us to choose the log and chinking colors from the wools she had on the table. They were lovely wools, but I wanted a red cabin (I'm strange). That was not an option...so I went with the selections I was given. Similar situation with the background and flower wools. We were surrounded by many colors and textures of wool, but we had to choose from within the options that Barbara gave us. I think I was looking to find more contrast, but Barbara said not to worry about it because I would get the antique look I was seeking. We were able to choose freely from numerous scraps for our rainbow wools. It was fun for me to experience the way plaids hook up because I haven't used them in hooking projects. I had an enjoyable day, and Barbara is a sweetheart. The mat is turning out nicely, but I must say that I don't feel that I selected the wools. Here are some pictures from that day, from a penny rug that was on the floor to Julie's pup on the wonderful hooked footstool. The shelves of wool are from the Searsport Shop where the class was held. I just loved the old tub on the stand that was used to corral scraps of wool for the class.

What a treat to find your Blog...and one so full of New England tidbits as well as rug hooking! I'm so wanting to take a Barb Carroll class and even more so after your wonder pictures! I have to say this is not a Blog I will share with my Beantown husband. He misses New England terribly and longs to move back! We have two daughters that are "Southern" girls and I can't see us back in NE....but your Blog pics make it very tempting! Dana in VAwww.TheThingsILove.typepad.com

Thanks for stopping by my blog Dana. My family is from South Carolina, and although they say they want to visit it's just too chilly for them most of the year. Go ahead...keep this blog a secret from your hubby...I won't tell!

And Kelly, I loved that footstool too! I have put it on my "someday I'm going to make one" list.

oh miz, i have been away way too long. your blog is amazing. the colors, the wool -- all so beautiful. i am going to read it beginning to ed and i know i will be sewing up something in a few days. you are such an inspiration.

Giving Thanks all year...

I am thankful for health, for friendships, for God, for my better half, for enough money to pay the bills, for a comfortable home, for honesty, for my computer friendships, for our ever loyal pets, for a decent job, for a car that runs, for sheep, for the ability to create with my hands, a good nights sleep, for "good hair" days, for plenty of food on our table, for my Dad who I dearly miss, for my stepmother who loved him so much, and for books and the ability to read. I'm also thankful for warm clothes on cold days, for warm soil, for the ocean, for rainbows, for electricity, for wood for our woodstove, for flowers, for dropping gas prices, for free things, and for weekends, for being an American, for coffee fixed my way, for time to craft, for nights at home, for a closet full of clothes, for scented candles, for being appreciated at work, for birds and for my intelligence. I'm thankful for photographs, for the ability to write, for the power company that works in all weather, and for the ability to take a walk on a beautiful day. I'm thankful for the music in my life, and for living in the country where I see trees and deer and nature outside of every window. I'm thankful for hook-ins and Rug Art shows and the ability to travel to visit them. I'm thankful for handknit socks that keep my feet warm and for days when I don't have to go to work.